Senator Edgardo J. Angara expressed his gratitude upon the approval of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) by President Benigno Aquino III last week. Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission of Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) said that the enactment of the measure is a milestone for the booming ICT-driven economy in the Philippines. "The passage of the cybercrime bill is timely especially after the recent arrest of an estimated 400 foreign nationals involved in cybercrime which defrauded victims of millions per day," explained Angara, who authored and sponsored the measure. "Existing laws already criminalize certain online activities but now, a wider range of Internet-driven crimes are covered."

The Cybercrime Prevention Act lays down a comprehensive legal framework for the detection, investigation, and suppression of cybercrimes such as hacking, identity theft, cybersquatting, illegal access, spamming, cyber-squatting, cybersex, and online child pornography.

"With this law, we hope to encourage the use of cyberspace for information, recreation, learning and commerce. By protecting all users from abuse and misuse, we enable netizens to use cyberspace more productively," stressed Angara.

The veteran lawmaker added, "This measure will deter people from committing crimes because the virtual world will no longer be a lawless realm. Its enactment sends out a strong message to the world that the Philippines is serious about keeping cyberspace safe. "

The Cybercrime Prevention Act is the second consecutive ICT-bill signed into law by President Aquino, following the enactment of the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173), also sponsored and authored by Angara.